With an aim to provide a platform to showcase the scientific inclination of the students, Tata Chemicals inaugurated the 26th Western India Science Fair at Nehru Science Centre in Worli. Dr Arup Basu, president, New Business and Innovation Centre, inaugurated the fair that witnessed a massive turnout from the students and teachers community hailing from all over India.
Around 34 science projects and 15 teaching aids are on exhibition by the students. Shivaprasad Khened, director, Nehru Science Centre said: “Science fairs are useful because they help in developing an inquiring mind, stimulate a sense of curiosity, help in problem-solving and encourage researching attitudes among young minds.”
Dr. Basu stressed upon the significance of innovative and effective method of imparting knowledge to students. He also mentioned that teaching science in English is a challenge as most of the students from rural areas speak and understand only their mother tongues. However, through such science fairs, all the students are able to comprehend several marvels of science that may not be taught in classrooms. In conclusion, Dr. Basu said that growth in science will help to create an environment of peace and progress in India. Dr Basu, said: “Indian pedagogy is excessively focused on structured teaching and we need more avenues to complement this with semi-structured learning opportunities.